That they would kill her off in such a way (off screen car accident/closed casket funeral) makes me think she's not really dead. I bet she turns up alive in the season finale with proof that Dexter is the Bay Harbor Butcher, hence the title of the episode: "Surprise Motherfucker!"

I want to make sure to note I was just speculating. And if I am right, along with many other people who guessed it could be her in the blind item, then I hope that your theory is even MORE right. LoL